New York, NY (October 4, 2006) -- Breeding season is a critical time of year throughout the horse industry. From selecting a stallion through foaling and the arrival of young stock, each owner and handler takes special care with the stallions, mares and foals that are the future of every aspect of our sport. Protecting these valuable horses from the threat of parasitism is a particular concern. Equimax(TM) (ivermectin 1.87%/praziquantel 14.03%) is the only combination dewormer, with tapeworm control, approved as safe in breeding, pregnant and lactating mares, as well as stallions and foals.

Equimax, from Pfizer Animal Health, was formulated to provide safe, broad spectrum parasite control -- including tapeworms (Anoplocephala perfoliata). Equimax paste may be used in horses four weeks of age and older. Stallions and breeding, pregnant and lactating mares may be treated without adverse effects on fertility.

“The safety of mares, foals and stallions is of paramount concern to everyone involved in breeding,” said Kristin Ruff, equine products manager at Pfizer Animal Health. “Equimax allows owners to protect their horses against the dangers of parasitism with a product they can absolutely trust to be both effective and safe.”

Equimax was designed not only to offer horse owners a powerful shield against a wide range of infectious parasites, but also as a needed solution to the more recently understood threat of tapeworm infection in horses. Research conducted by Dr. Craig Reinemeyer of East Tennessee Clinical Research and published in the proceedings of the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists has shown that an average of 54% of horses surveyed in the U.S. have been exposed to the parasite. The study provides an exposure range of 12.7% of horses on the Pacific coast to a staggering 95.8% of horses in the upper Midwest1.

This potentially large infection rate is a serious concern for horse owners and breeders because of the severe damage tapeworms can do inside the horse. These parasites congregate at the ileocecal junction -- the meeting place of the small intestine, cecum and colon --attaching themselves to the sensitive mucosa of this area with strong hooks. This creates inflammation, swelling and even ulcers at the attachment site.

As a result, tapeworms are a leading cause of colic in horses. In a 1998 study published by Proudman, French and Trees, the researchers found that 22% of spasmodic (gas) colics were associated with tapeworms, along with 81% of ileal impactions2. Ileocecal intussusception -- a potentially fatal colic condition -- is almost always caused by tapeworm infection3.

Equimax is an apple-flavored paste and comes in a specially designed, ergonomic syringe that contains enough paste to dose up to 1,320 pounds of body weight. It has a sturdy, lockable dose adjuster, large print dosing scales on both sides, a curved finger grip and a shorter barrel for secure handling. The product’s palatable and smooth paste formulation is easy to administer as it slides quickly to the back of the tongue and down the throat.